The Libranet development team has released Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1 as a free download for trial purposes. Originally released in August 2003, it comes with kernel 2.4.21, KDE 3.1.3, GNOME 2.2 and other software present in Debian Sid at the time. Adding an easy, semi-graphical installer together with a graphical configuration utility called Adminmenu has turned Libranet into an instant hit, impressing many reviewers who wrote about the product. Libranet 2.8.1 sells for US$65, but now you can try it for free; download the two ISO images from here: libranet-2.8.1-cd1.iso (679MB) and libranet-2.8.1-cd2.iso (696MB); update: the ISO images are now available via BitTorrent. The download directory also includes an installation guide in PDF format. The Libranet developers have hinted that version 3.0 will enter a beta testing period later this month.

The Libranet Linux Desktop is a production of Libra Computer Systems Ltd. Libra has been providing UNIX systems and software development since 1984. We are located in the Vancouver area of British Columbia, Canada. We chose Debian as the base of Libranet. Debian GNU/Linux is solid and true to the spirit of GNU/Linux. We are a small team who see the future in GNU/Linux. We believe that Libranet is not only a solid replacement for Microsoft Windows, but surpasses it in almost all aspects. As GNU/Linux evolves and more and more hardware becomes supported, we find no need to run anything else. Libranet runs in our own office on both desktops and servers and fulfills all our business and personal computing needs. Our goal is to continue to produce a system to be proud of.

ReviewLinux has published a long and comprehensive review of Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0, complete with a handful of screenshots: "The biggest praise that I can give Libranet is that I use it as my only desktop system at home. I do not use Microsoft Windows at all. I simply do not need to. Libranet offers all that I need and more. I've been using Libranet now since September 2003, when I started with Libranet 2.7 Classic, which was a free download at the time. I was so impressed that I bought Libranet 2.8.1 - and it has been well and truly worth the investment. This is the first time that I've been totally Microsoft Windows-free. I love it!" The review stretches to 16 pages, starting here.

A truly sad news for all Libranet and Linux fans: "Libranet is sad to inform you that its founder and President, Jon Danzig, passed away this morning. In keeping with our traditions we will be closed until June 13th 2005 at which time Libranet will reopen. During this time emails may not be responded to and delivery of pre-ordered CDs will be delayed. Thank you for your understanding." Visit Libranet.com to read the notice. Libranet GNU/Linux is produced by Libra Computer Systems, a company established by Jon and Tal Danzig in Vancouver in 1984 as a small UNIX company. Its first Linux distribution was released in November 1999. Libranet GNU/Linux 1.0, which was based on Debian, but included an improved installer and many user-friendly enhancements, was an instant success. Its latest version was 3.0 released some six weeks ago. The DistroWatch team would like to express our sincere condolences to the family of Jon Danzig.

Linux Journal has reviewed the new Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "A detailed description of Libranet's new Adminmenu would justify a separate report. One feature, however, warrants particular notice. Libranet is the only Linux distribution I know of that makes compiling a kernel safe and easy. The entire process is point and click. If for some reason the recompiled kernel does not boot, the original kernel still is available and listed in the boot menu and will start Libranet up for another try if needed. By itself Adminmenu, with its unique kernel tool, gives Libranet its knockout punch." The full review with screenshots.

NewsForge has published a new review of the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "Although Libranet supports apt-get from the command line, the root user's version of Adminmenu divides basic functions and repositories into a series of icons: Update Adminmenu, Update Libranet (the equivalent of using the dist-upgrade option with the apt-get command), Libranet security update, and Install from Libranet CDs (the equivalent of the apt-cdrom command). These icons are ideal for those who are interested in keeping their systems up-to-date but who have no interest in understanding the process. Synaptic, a graphical front-end for apt-get, is also available, although marked as 'recommended for advanced users only.'" Read the rest of the review here.

Mad Penguin is the first with a comprehensive review of the recently released Libranet GNU/Linux 3.0: "Libranet 3.0 is a stellar achievement not only for the development team, but for desktop Linux as a whole. What we have on display here is a piece of software I would feel comfortable recommending to anyone looking for a solid desktop Linux product. I don't care if you're completely new to Linux or even an active software developer... this distribution is for you. Libranet 3.0 is where it's at. The attention to detail put into this release is great, and the resulting product is phenomenal. ... I heartily recommend this distribution to anyone wanting to learn more about Linux and isn't afraid to get their hands a little dirty in the process." Read the 3-page review with many screenshots at MadPenguin.org.

The long awaited new version of Libranet GNU/Linux has been released: "It's here! At last the long awaited Libranet 3.0 is released. Libranet 3.0 represents a considerable investment on the part of the Libranet developers. We hope you will be able to show your support for Libranet and purchase this most excellent distribution." The announcement was made on the distribution's newsletter and can also be read on its user forums. Libranet 3.0 is available for immediate purchase and download from this page (US$89.95 for full edition or US$64.95 for upgrade/student edition).

Platypus Lair has published a review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "The greatness of adminmenu stops not just here. There are tons of other stuff you can do with this powerful little app. Another such activity is to configure your firewall through the network tab. Clicking on the firewall button here brings up a text box which allows the user to allow or disallow applications going in and out of the firewall. Again, here it gets the job fine but a little more would have elevated it to greatness." The full story with screenshots.

OSNews has published a new review of Libranet GNU/Linux 2.8.1: "The distro has something known as the Adminmenu. It's a masterwork. You can do anything from there. Configure X, play with printer and network settings, and upgrade your system from the Libranet archive. It even helps you recompile your kernel. It's really a great piece of software, for both power and beginning users." The three-page review starts here.